Do you understand any of this business about
furled leaders? Twisted ones, braided ones,
crocheted ones? I don't, well, make that, I
didn't before now. I have been hearing about
these things for some time now and really did
not have a great inclination to pursue the idea
very far. To me a leader is mono, or mono type
anyhow. The idea of learning all about some string
or leader twisted up out of tying thread held no
interest.

I had a sad experience with one at a casting contest
in N.Y. once. The thing simply blew apart, shredded
and became worthless. A knot tied in one proves a
mighty challenge as well. Then a few things happened.
I started hearing about a few of the guys I know using
the things. Worse yet, they liked them, some used the
same one a whole season.

This past weekend I had the chance to fish some with
a group and since I was breaking in a new silk five
weight fly line, one of the guys gave me a furled
leader about five feet long. It had a tiny loop on
each end which made it easy to at least try. Nothing
ventured, nothing gained I suppose. Well, I gained.
No, I am not going to switch to the things for all
uses... yet. But who know's, stranger things could
happen.

I have a lot to learn about which material is the
best for which uses. Things like if you want it to
float, what do you make it up from? If it is to sink,
do you use something else? Not at all sure at this
point, but am open to more information, Why?

The darn thing worked like a charm, that's why.
everyone knows that a silk line has a tendency for the
tip to start to sink after a few hours of use. The
furled leader floated like a cork and I had no problem
with 'tip-sink' on my silk line. Ok, so much for having
my interest.

A few days ago we received a D.V.D. from Kathy Scott
from Maine. She has been twisting these things up for
some time now and put it all on the disc. Last night
I played it on my P.C. here. What a nice job. I actually
understand how they are made. Am I going to start making
up my own? Only if I run out of friends. But, with this
disc I am positive I could do it, and get it right from
the very first one. She has left nothing out.

If you have any interest in making your own leaders,
having the ability to control the tapers and lengths,
for only fifteen bucks you are in business. It is in
color, it is sharp, not fuzzy, the sound is fine and
each step is simple and clear. Remember too, when you
play a D.V.D. you can stop at any time and print out
a picture at that point.

Kathy, a tip of the old fishing hat, nice job, well
done, hope you sell a bunch. If you would like one
or a video tape Kathy can be reached at: ~ JC